Here we look at dog breeds that were officially recognized by the AKC in the last 50 years.
Biewer terrier
Year recognized by AKC: 2021
The biewer terrier was recognized by the AKC back in January. While it falls in the toy dog category, this small breed has a “larger than life personality,” describes the AKC.
“In spite of their small stature, Biewer are hearty and athletic, able to keep up with the best of them on long walks, hikes or competing in the agility ring,” it adds.
Barbet
Year recognized by AKC: 2020
Defined by its signature dense curly coat, this rustic French water dog gets its name from its distinctive beard (“barbe” translates to beard in French). The cheerful, loyal and athletic breed was “used primarily to locate, flush, and retrieve birds,” according to the AKC.
Dogo Argentino
Year recognized by AKC: 2020
Dogo Argentino was accepted by the Belgium-based Fédération Cynologique Internationale as the first and only Argentinean breed back in 1973. This pack-hunting dog was bred “to find, chase and catch dangerous game.” It has “the strength, intelligence and quick responsiveness of a serious athlete,” AKC says.
Belgian laekenois
Year recognized by AKC: 2020
This strong and agile breed is one of four native dogs of Belgium. They are known for being protective of their masters and property as well as affectionate and friendly with those they know well, according to the AKC.
Azawakh
Year recognized by AKC: 2019
This West African breed hailing from Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger is a member of the sighthound family, who are “canine sprinters that rely on keen vision and blazing speed to fix and course their prey,” the AKC describes.
“Befitting its heritage, the Azawakh excels as a companion, guardian and a lure courser in the United States,” it adds.
Grand basset griffon vendeen
Year recognized by AKC: 2018
This happy and outgoing French scenthound is “deceptively quick and light-footed,” says the AKC. “The stamina and courage of these longer-than-tall hunters is the stuff of Gallic legends.”
Nederlandse kooikerhondje
Year recognized by AKC: 2018
This lively and sporty Dutch breed is believed to be an ancestor of the Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever. “The breed has the sturdy bone structure expected of a serious hunter” as well as “springy gait,” according to the AKC.
American hairless terrier
Year recognized by AKC: 2016
Hailing from Louisiana, this is the first hairless dog breed to have originated in the U.S. The American hairless terrier is a “smart, inquisitive and playful” breed. Protective of their owners, they are known to be great watch dogs, the AKC says.
Sloughi
Year recognized by AKC: 2016
Nicknamed the “Arabian Greyhound,” this classic sighthound was bred to hunt game such as hare, fox, jackal, gazelle and wild pigs in North African deserts. They are “regally aloof with strangers and gentle with loved ones,” according to the AKC.
Pumi
Year recognized by AKC: 2016
This Hungarian herding breed is characterized by its “corkscrew-curled coat, two-thirds erect ears and distinctive whimsical expression.” It is famed for its intelligence, agility and boldness, the AKC says.
Miniature American shepherd
Year recognized by AKC: 2015
These bright and energetic dogs have an affinity for horses. They became especially popular among equestrians traveling to horse shows as “their intelligence, loyalty and size made them an excellent travel companion,” according to the AKC.
Spanish water dog
Year recognized by AKC: 2015
Having a striking coat of wooly curls, Spanish water dogs were used as both herders and waterfowl retrievers in their homeland of Spain. “This rustic charmer is a lively family companion and vigilant watchdog,” according to the AKC.
Berger picard
Year recognized by AKC: 2015
This French breed is an ideal companion for athletic owners for their agility and boundless energy, which make them eager to participate in various sports, games and outdoor pursuits.
Lagotto romagnolo
Year recognized by AKC: 2015
This is Italian breed is the only purebred dog in the world recognized as “a specialized truffle searcher,” according to the AKC. “Despite their plush-toy looks, Lagotti are durable workers of excellent nose who root out truffles, a dainty and pricey delicacy,” it says.
Bergamasco sheepdog
Year recognized by AKC: 2015
The origins of the Bergamasco sheepdog can be traced back to what is now Iran. These intelligent and highly social dogs develop independent relationships with each person in the household, the AKC says.
Cirneco dell’Etna
Year recognized by AKC: 2015
This sleek ancient coursing hound from Sicily is given to quick bursts of speed. “These lithe and leggy Sicilians are typical sighthounds: sweet-natured, independent and, of course, breathtakingly swift,” describes the AKC.
Boerboel
Year recognized by AKC: 2015
These confident South African dogs are described to be “intimidating but discerning guardians of home and family,” having learned to protect remote South African homesteads from fierce predators, according to the AKC.
Wirehaired vizsla
Year recognized by AKC: 2014
Wirehaired vizslas are close relatives of vizslas but are a distinctly separate breed for its dense wiry coat. This upbeat “exuberant hunter” is calm and gentle around the house, the AKC says.
Coton de tulear
Year recognized by AKC: 2014
This “happy-go-lucky companion dog” is the official dog of Madagascar. “The Coton is small but robustly sturdy,” notes the AKC.
Portuguese podengo pequeno
Year recognized by AKC: 2013
Portuguese podengo pequeno is a “quick, athletic rabbit hunter dog,” with a distinctive wedge-shaped head and erect, pointed ears. They love to “run, romp, and chase when outdoors but make charming and well-mannered housemates,” the AKC says.
Rat terrier
Year recognized by AKC: 2013
The name of this original American breed is believed to have been coined by former president Teddy Roosevelt, according to the AKC. These compact but tough dogs make “happy-go-lucky, playful and portable companions,” it adds.
Chinook
Year recognized by AKC: 2013
This native breed of New Hampshire was once on the verge of extinction and is among the scarcest AKC breeds. “Chinooks are calm, people-oriented dogs with a special feel for children,” noted for their intelligence, patience and eagerness to please, the AKC says.
Treeing walker coonhound
Year recognized by AKC: 2012
The AKC explains: “The Treeing Walker Coonhound was developed from the Walker Foxhound, which evolved from the Virginia Hounds that descended from the earliest English Foxhounds that were brought to America.”
Nicknamed “The People’s Choice,” treeing walker coonhounds are an American favorite.
Russell terrier
Year recognized by AKC: 2012
The origins of this upbeat, lively and inquisitive breed can be traced back to fox hunting in England. Russell terriers look “like a plush toy come to life,” marked by their dark, almond-shaped eyes, which bring out a “keenly intelligent expression,” the AKC says.
Xoloitzcuintli
Year recognized by AKC: 2011
The origins of this Mexican breed can be traced back over 3,000 years, making them the first dogs of the Americas. The vigilant watch dog has a graceful, elegant body that is surprisingly strong and rugged, according to the AKC.
Entlebucher mountain dog
Year recognized by AKC: 2011
Nicknamed the “Laughing Dog” of the Swiss Alps, this spirited, energetic breed is known for its boundless enthusiasm and is happiest having a job to perform, says the AKC.
Cesky terrier
Year recognized by AKC: 2011
The Cesky terrier is the national dog of the Czech Republic. These clever and adventurous dogs make good playmates for kids and walking companions for adults. They are considered “a little more laid back and tractable than the usual terrier,” according to the AKC.
American English coonhound
Year recognized by AKC: 2011
American by birth and English by ancestry, these lean, muscular dogs are “deep-chested, sweet-faced athletes beloved by sportsmen for their speed and endurance,” describes the AKC.
Finnish lapphund
Year recognized by AKC: 2011
These tough reindeer herding dogs from north of the Arctic Circle are a “remarkably empathetic breed.” Among the breed’s distinctive traits is “a strong ‘startle reflex,’ the result of centuries spent ducking the antlers of ornery reindeer,” the AKC says.
Norwegian lundehund
Year recognized by AKC: 2011
Originating from Norway’s rocky island of Vaeroy, the Norwegian lundehund was the only dog breed created for puffin hunting. “With puffins now a protected species, today’s Lundehund is a friendly, athletic companion,” says the AKC.
Icelandic sheepdog
Year recognized by AKC: 2010
Iceland’s only native dog breed is “charmingly friendly” and “enthusiastically devoted” to their owners, the AKC describes.
Cane corso
Year recognized by AKC: 2010
The lineage of this assertive breed goes back to ancient Roman times. With its name roughly translating from Latin as “bodyguard dog,” its imposing appearance is the breed’s first line of defense against intruders. These intelligent and intensely loyal dogs “can end up owning an unwitting owner,” according to the AKC.
Irish red and white setter
Year recognized by AKC: 2009
This fun-loving, friendly and athletic breed was bred primarily for hunting. They are a bit shorter and stockier than their cousin the Irish setter, says the AKC.
Redbone coonhound
Year recognized by AKC: 2009
Another original American breed, a redbone coonhound is even-tempered and mellow at home. But the breed can be “a tiger on the trail,” enjoying activities like hunting and swimming between long periods of rest. Their dreamy brown eyes give their face a “pleading” expression, says the AKC.
Norwegian buhund
Year recognized by AKC: 2009
This Nordic cold-weather breed known for herding and guarding is closely associated with the Vikings. As family dogs, they are “smart, affectionate and steadfastly devoted,” according to the AKC.
Pyrenean shepherd
Year recognized by AKC: 2009
This “enthusiastic, mischievous, and whip-smart” breed descended from the ancient sheepdogs of the Pyrenees mountains, which form the natural border between France and Spain. “These tough, lean, and lively herders, famous for their vigorous and free-flowing movement,” says the AKC.
Boykin spaniel
Year recognized by AKC: 2009
The Boykin spaniel is the official dog of South Carolina. The mid-sized spaniel breed is “larger and rangier than Cockers but more compact than Springers,” describes the AKC.
Swedish vallhund
Year recognized by AKC: 2007
These rugged cattle dogs originating from western Sweden are known for their “zest for life, unique vocalizations and cheerful demeanor,” says the AKC.
Beauceron
Year recognized by AKC: 2007
Once well-trained, these imposing and powerful French shepherd dogs make great watch dogs and guardians. They are “especially good with the young, the small, and the defenseless,” according to the AKC.
Tibetan mastiff
Year recognized by AKC: 2006
Described as “the guardian dog supreme,” this imposing breed can stand 26 inches at the shoulder and weigh well over 100 pounds. Yet they are unexpectedly quite light-footed and “will meet a perceived threat with surprising agility,” says the AKC.
Plott hound
Year recognized by AKC: 2006
This scenthound is North Carolina’s state dog and descended from German “Hanover hounds.” This rugged hunting dog is mellow at home but “fearless, implacable, and bold at work,” describes the AKC.
Neapolitan mastiff
Year recognized by AKC: 2004
This massive dog has a striking face with profuse hanging wrinkles and folds that make it “look like a marzipan Mastiff that’s been out in the sun too long,” says the AKC. “The Neapolitan Mastiff is a huge, powerful guarder whose astounding appearance has intimidated intruders since the days of ancient Rome.”
Black Russian terrier
Year recognized by AKC: 2004
This Russian breed is known for its courage, confidence and intelligence. Bred to guard and protect, their all-black coat allows them to “patrol some of the coldest habitable places on earth,” notes the AKC.
Glen of Imaal terrier
Year recognized by AKC: 2004
This Irish breed is described to be “gentler, less excitable than most terriers” but still bold and spirited, according to the AKC. It is named after one of Ireland’s most remote locales in County Wicklow.
Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever
Year recognized by AKC: 2003
Standing around 18 or 19 inches at the shoulder, the Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever is the smallest AKC retriever. These athletic dogs require outlets for their boundless energy, such as swimming, “for which they are ideally suited, down to their webbed feet,” says the AKC.
Toy fox terrier
Year recognized by AKC: 2003
Standing under a foot tall, this compact breed is “truly a toy and a terrier.” These former barnyard ratters are “beguiling companions with a big personality” and “dark eyes that sparkle with eager intelligence,” the AKC describes.
Polish lowland sheepdog
Year recognized by AKC: 2001
This shaggy herding dog is a clever and confident Polish breed, thriving on exercise and hard work. “Compact, alert, and adaptable, they are beloved companions and watchdogs of Polish city dwellers,” according to the AKC.
Spinone Italiano
Year recognized by AKC: 2000
This hunting breed of ancient Italian lineage is known for its versatility as well as “superior mouth and ultrasoft nose.” They are “sociable, docile, and patient, sometimes stubborn but always endearing,” says the AKC.
Parson Russell terrier
Year recognized by AKC: 1997
The Parson Russell terrier has the looks of a “plush toy come to life.” But they are “tough little guys built for England’s traditional sport of foxhunting. They’re fast enough to follow the hounds and fearless enough to dig into the ground and flush a fox from his lair,” according to the AKC.
Canaan
Year recognized by AKC: 1997
Canaan is the national dog of Israel and one of the AKC’s oldest breeds. These clever, confident and territorial dogs “will end up owning’ passive owners who haven’t established themselves as top dog in the family pack,” says the AKC.
